MASTER PLAN WORKSHOPS TO FOCUS ON TOURISM PLANNING

VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON

The City of Traverse City will be hosting two community workshops regarding planning for tourism, in relation to the Master Planning Project, both on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. The tourism industry has shaped the community and economy of Traverse City for centuries and impacts economic development, transportation, housing, infrastructure, arts and culture, and recreation—all of which are key elements within the City’s Master Plan. Discussion topics will include the following in relation to how tourism impacts city planning and land use;

• Tourism planning best practices;
• Current tourism data and trends in Traverse City; and
• Discussion about your ideas and experiences regarding tourism and land use/city policy in Traverse City, now and in the future.

The public is invited to attend a virtual or in person option. The City will hold additional workshops should sessions be filled.

Workshop A                     

Feb 21, 2023                     

2—3:30 pm       

(Virtual via Zoom Workshop)

The first workshop will be held via Zoom from 2—3:30 pm on February 21st and attendance is limited to 100 people.

RSVP HERE

Workshop B                      

Feb 21, 2023                     

6—7:30 pm       

(Traverse Area District Library)

The second workshop will be held in person from 6-7:30 pm on February 21st in the McGuire Community Room at the Traverse Area District Library (Main Branch, 610 Woodmere Avenue) and attendance is limited to 70 people.

RSVP HERE

If you wish to attend, you must RSVP via the links above. Further instructions, including the Zoom link if you RSVP for Workshop A, will be provided after you register.

The master plan guides city policy and land use patterns, which in turn affects what types of developments go where; how everything connects via streets, sidewalks, and trails; and what types of infrastructure and amenities serve the community at large, including locals and tourists alike.

TART IMPROVEMENT & EXTENSION PROJECT DESIGN CONCEPTS

Design concepts were presented at community engagement sessions this past week for the TART Improvement & Extension Project. The proposed project is located between West End Beach and the intersection of Peninsula Drive/US 37 and Eastern Avenue. The plan elevates the existing TART network by enhancing the functionality and enjoyment of the trail as well as extending its reach along Peninsula Drive from East Front Street to Eastern Avenue. The project is in support of multimodal efforts that aim to provide a more connected and safe trail network.

A recording of the virtual engagement session on February 15th will be available for viewing soon. If you were unable to attend the virtual or in person community engagement sessions, input may be provided by emailing City Planning Director, Shawn Winter by at swinter@traversecitymi.gov.

Save the date for the next round of engagement sessions on March 15th and March 16th!

TCLP INSTALLS THE FIRST OIL FREE TRANSFORMER

Traverse City Light & Power has installed a Siemens Carepole polemount oil-free transformer, the first unit installed in the United States.

In light of increasing weather and climate extremes, the transformer can better withstand environmental hazards, provide a greener solution to the power grid, and more resiliency. Due to its cast-resin design (without oil), this environmentally friendly alternative increases safety for those working in the power generation industry, and for the public, due to its high level of fire safety, inability to explode, and reduced environmental risks.

The transformer is located on the west side of Hastings Street, south of Carver.

THE PERFORMANCE 2022

AT A GLANCE

The City has released its 2022 annual report, The Performance, which provides insight into major accomplishments and significant projects completed during the past year. Throughout the report many achievements for the City are highlighted, among many other topics.

This Week's Features

The City continues to aggressively target major infrastructure for maintenance and improvements. In 2022, City staff managed approximately $10.5 million in projects upon City Commission support and authorization.

Through the pavement preservation and resurfacing projects, over $2.3 million was invested in 14 center line miles of roadway improvements. In addition, the full reconstruction of the West Front Street bridge was completed. Over $7 million was invested in Bridge Rehabilitation Project in 2021 and 2022 which included the West Front Street, E. Eighth Street, Park Street, and S. Cass Street Bridges.

SENATE BILL 432 TO ALLOW FOR STREAMLINED PILOT AGREEMENTS

IMPLEMENTATION SLATED FOR 2023

The State of Michigan recently passed legislation that would allow local governments the ability to develop payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) policies and enter into PILOT agreements with developers who are building or rehabbing workforce housing units without the previous requirement of state or federal tax credits.

Currently, local units of government may participate in PILOTs for developments as part of the developer’s application process for low-income housing tax credits through MSHDA. However, local governments don’t have discretion to award a PILOT unless the developer is awarded the MSHDA tax credits, a competitive program. 

Senate Bill 432, approved December 13, 2022, allows local governments the discretion to enter into PILOT agreements for developments that are not applicants for state or federal tax credits. The legislation does require MSHDA to be involved in the process, and that process is still in development. In addition, local units of government will be required to develop an ordinance to allow for and approve PILOT agreements.

City Attorney, Lauren Trible-Laucht, and President of the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys, is working closely with MSHDA and the State of Michigan to develop the necessary policies and a model ordinance that municipalities across the state can use for implementation.

Implementation is expected in 2023 and will require the City Commission adopt a local ordinance. Application materials will then be available to launch the program locally.

HICKORY HILLS UPDATES

APLINE, NORDIC, STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS, AND MERCH!

ALPINE UPDATES

Snow making efforts continue at Hickory Hills and more runs have opened in the last two weeks!

• Birch
• Jack's Trail
• Fast Tammy (conveyor)
• Magna Carta
• Swede
• Waterfall
• Buck

Stay tune to more announcements soon!

NORDIC UPDATES

The return of colder temps has setup the trails to be rock-hard. The areas where snow making has occurred are well covered. Snow characteristics are the ice/corn type, but hoping for the Thursday snow to create a good mix to improve the texture, with a hard base. Areas outside of the snow making reach are non-skiable at this time, but conditions may change with the snow overnight on Thursday.

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Our friends at the Vasa Ski Club are seeking volunteers for the Michigan High School Nordic State Championship that will be held at Hickory Hills this year on March 3rd and 4th! Come support our junior racers by helping out!

Register Now

ALL THE MERCH!

Do you love Hickory Hills as much as we do? Show your love with Hickory merch! Sweatshirts, tees, hats, and stickers are available so you can show off your Hickory pride!

Don't forget, if looking for a cool gift, Hickory merch or a Hickory Hills gift card are the perfect gift for any adventurer!